Salmonella Research Paper

Salmonella

What is Salmonella? Salmonella is a bacterium that makes people ill. As pathogens, these bacteria come in two rare forms. For example, Non-Typhoidal Salmonella is a bacterium that is carried by a variety of farm animals. “Foods commonly linked with this bacteria, are poultry, eggs, meat, dairy products and several fruit and vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers, and cantaloupes.” (ServSafe Coursebook. (2014). National Restaurant Association)

Once a person comes in contact with this bacterium, the most common symptoms are diarrhea, abdominal pains/cramps, vomiting and fever. The other form of this bacterium is called, Salmonella Typhi. This bacterium is known to live in humans. “People with typhoid fever carry the bacteria

(2014). National Restaurant Association)

Although, these two forms of Salmonella are different in their location, growth, and symptoms, they have definite similarities in preventative ways before, during and after coming in contact with them. For instance, excluding food handlers who have been diagnosed with an illness, due to either bacteria-associated with Salmonella. Also, preventing cross-contamination from transferable pathogens from one surface, or contaminated food to another. Lastly, proactively practicing personal hygiene. Washing hands is crucial when handling, cooking, preparing and storing foods. The purpose of practicing personal hygiene is to avoid coming in contact with Salmonella. The build up, of bodily fluids, salvia, blood or feces and dirt on our hands and other body sites can be transferred and contaminate foods, leading to a foodborne illness outbreak of

The recovery time, of those infected varies and is based on one’s health status, overall. Some people don’t show any of the above symptoms mentioned, while others are usually under the care of a physician for about, four to seven days. In some cases, it has been sadly reported of people being hospitalized because of the severity of the infection spreading throughout their blood stream, intestines and other body sites. Salmonella can be fatal, if untreated promptly for those of weaker immune systems. “In a recent outbreak of Salmonella on June 2,2016, linked to live poultry in back yards has been investigated that 611 people infected with the illness have been reported from 45 states, and 52 percent of them being female.” (http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/live-poultry-05-16/index.html